May 8, 1936– November 11, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marlene Dawn Cheeseman, who left us peacefully at the age of 88 after her adventure on this earth. Marlene’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, humour, art, music, and family.
Everyone who knew Marlene would describe her as glamorous, always put together and elegant-so fashionable in every way, from what she wore, to her lovely home, to the way she presented her incredible cooking.
Marlene’s light shone brightly from within. She had a big bursting heart, and her empathetic qualities were insurmountable. She had the ability to make everyone who’s path she crossed feel noticed and special and had the gift to infuse confidence and love to those who needed it.
Marlene could light up any room with her spirit. Her infectious laugh brought happiness to all and was an artist who dedicated her later years to her incredible garden. Her protective nature, dedication and love for her family was her most precious quality.
Marlene grew up in High Park, Toronto and then Lake Promenade, Etobicoke. She completed secretarial school and began a career at the Canadian Underwriters Association where she met her husband. She moved on to Shaw and Begg, Continental Can then took a step back to start her family where she spent the next several years caring for her three children. Once her children were older, she resumed her secretarial career in Guelph at a law office. Her keen eye for fashion took her in that direction and she soon began a very fulfilling career with several high fashion companies. In her spare time, Marlene studied astrology and charted professionally. Her spiritual path then expanded to learning the healing arts. Marlene was an expert in therapeutic touch (TT) and volunteered at the Guelph Hospice to help many grateful souls while she healed their pain before they crossed to the next life.
Marlene’s garden was her peace, and her soul, a place where she spent countless hours creating a beautiful, wild oasis that truly reflected who she was. It was extraordinary, and all who experienced it felt her spirit, and her creativity.
In her last moments, Marlene was surrounded by the loving light of her children, while listening to her favourite music and countless beautiful stories her family experienced with her throughout the years.
Daughter to Edward and Kathleen Heaphy, Marlene leaves behind her sister Jane Heaphy, her brother Michael Heaphy (Barbara), (predeceased by her brother Grant (Frances)), and children Glenn (Gwyneth), Lori (Frank), and Catherine as well as her grandchildren Jaimie, Andrew (Laura), Sydney, Faith and Maya, and her great grandchildren Ella, Alastair, Charly, and Camryn . She will be deeply missed by her all of her family and friends.
Special thanks to the staff at the Riverside Glen Emma Neighbourhood for the kindness and compassion you showed Marlene during her stay there and thanks to the staff at St Joseph’s palliative care unit for making her final days peaceful and comfortable.
Friends are welcome to join her family to celebrate Marlene’s life on December 21, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Lakeside Church Tea Room at 7654 Conservation Road, Guelph.